I’m Third

God first, others second, I’m Third. This is the motto my kids were taught when they went to Camp Kanakuk during the summers. “I’m third” goes without saying when you’re a caregiver! It seems we’re always doing everything for everyone except ourselves! By serving others with the right heart, we will receive blessings beyond measure.

God first: The first thing I do when I open my eyes in the morning is pray. I thank God for my blessings and ask Him to help me be a blessing to others. God gives me the peace and strength I need to get though the day.

Others Second: Then I set about my daily routine of caring for my husband, my children, my friends and my business. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35 (NKJV) By giving to others I am blessed with a sense of meaning and purpose.

I’m Third: Today I bought a fern and placed it on a sideboard on my patio. In the morning when I sit outside to have my coffee, I will look at it and enjoy its beauty. I will feel a sense of accomplishment because I finally crossed that off my list. It will remind me that life goes on and needs to be nourished!

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 22:37-39 (NKJV)

We know that God loves a cheerful giver! Don’t go through a day without doing at least one nice thing for yourself, even if you’re third!

About Kim Campbell

Kim is a Co-founder of the I’ll Be Me Alzheimer’s Fund. She is a member of the Patient/Caregiver Advisory Council for the Alzheimer's and Dementia Patient/Caregiver Powered Research Network (AD-PCPRN), and sits on the board of Abe’s Garden, a memory care community dedicated to providing and elevating the quality of the full spectrum of memory care for those with Alzheimer’s in association with the Vanderbilt Center for Quality Aging (ACQA).

Kim Campbell and her associates are not medical or dementia-care professionals. They are not authorities on dementia beyond what they have experienced. Kim Campbell and her associates are not lawyers, financial advisors, or certified caregivers. They write to share their stories and experiences in the hopes that it may help someone with their own journey in dementia care. If you are looking for advice in caregiving or patient care, please consult your loved one's social worker or licensed physician.